A Bibliometric and Content Analysis of Health Scope (2012 - 2026): Authorship, Research Methods, Thematic Scope, and Citation Patterns

Abstract

Background: Bibliometric and content analyses are valuable approaches for evaluating journal performance and identifying publication trends. Objectives: This study examined publication, authorship, methodological, thematic, and citation patterns in Health Scope from 2012 through January 2026. Methods: This descriptive bibliometric and content-analysis study was conducted in 2026. A total of 625 records were identified from the journal archive; one retracted article was excluded, leaving 624 records for Phase I bibliometric and citation analyses. In Phase II, 513 original research articles were included in the detailed content analysis. Data were extracted using a structured checklist and summarized using descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 2,703 authors contributed to 624 published articles; 1,756 were male (65.0%). Articles with four authors were the most common (24.7%). Male researchers served as corresponding authors in 429 articles (68.8%) and as first authors in 385 articles (61.6%). Authors affiliated with Iranian institutions contributed most of the publications (567 articles, 90.9%). Environmental health was the most frequently represented thematic category (n = 131, 21.0%). Fourteen articles related to COVID-19 were published during this period. Cross-sectional studies were the most common study design (n = 212, 34.0%). Laboratory and instrumental measurements were the most frequently used data-collection methods among original research articles (n = 273, 53.2%). Clinical or hospital settings were reported in 134 of the 513 articles with available setting information (26.1%). Authors addressed empirical and population gaps in 455 and 402 articles, respectively. Through February 20, 2026, the journal received 3,169 Web of Science citations and 4,100 Scopus citations. Environmental health accounted for the largest share of citations (n = 1,303, 41.1%). Content analysis based on the United Nations 2030 Agenda framework showed that most published articles aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), predominantly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). Conclusions: The annual publication volume remained relatively stable over the observed period. The published output encompassed diverse domains aligned with the journal's scope. Strategies to broaden international author participation should be prioritized. Strengthening methodological rigor and addressing underrepresented research gaps will further enhance publication quality.